Drone Express extends BEYOND Program Membership Joining NCDOT to Advance Drone Delivery
Drone Express, a leader in autonomous drone delivery services, is excited to announce its partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Drone Express is a partner in the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s BEYOND program, one of eight programs in the country selected by the Federal Aviation Administration to pave the way for routine commercial and government drone use in the National Airspace System. North Carolina partners have achieved more national firsts and flown more missions by far than all other teams combined since the FAA launched its integration initiative in 2017.
“We are thrilled to extend our involvement in the BEYOND program to North Carolina as we expand our
presence there,” stated Beth Flippo, CEO of Drone Express. “Partnering with NCDOT is a significant step
forward in the advancement of local drone delivery services, and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Drone Express has proudly participated in the BEYOND Program since 2020, alongside esteemed
partners such as Zipline, Flytrex, Wing, Causey Aviation and Amazon. Leveraging Drone Express’s
advanced technology and aerial logistics expertise and NCDOT’s commitment to innovation and safety,
the program will venture into uncharted territories in unmanned aerial delivery operations. This
collaboration will provide valuable insights into the societal, economic, and community benefits of drone
delivery, while also streamlining approval processes for safe UAS integration. This partnership indicates
a significant moment in pushing forward drone delivery technology by broadening future capacities of
unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
As part of the BEYOND program, Drone Express and NCDOT will collaborate on a series of initiatives
aimed at testing and deploying drone delivery solutions in various settings, including urban, suburban,
and rural environments.
The program seeks to resolve challenges of drone integration with:
Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations that are repeatable, scalable, and economically viable with
specific emphasis on infrastructure inspection, public operations, and small package delivery.
Industry operations that better analyze and quantify the societal and economic benefits of UAS
operation.
Community engagement that collects, analyzes, and addresses community concerns.
“We will work closely with NCDOT and other partners to drive innovation and shape the future of drone
delivery through the BEYOND program,” added Russell Kline, Chief Regulatory Officer at Drone Express.
“From a regulatory perspective, this collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to advance the
integration of drones into the national airspace and establish best practices for safe and efficient
operations.”
Drone Express and NCDOT invite stakeholders, industry partners, and the public to join them in shaping
the future of drone delivery through the BEYOND program.
About NCDOT:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating
the state’s transportation system, including highways, railways, airports, and ports. NCDOT is committed
to fostering innovation and sustainability in transportation and supporting initiatives that enhance
mobility, safety, and economic development by connecting people, products and places safely and
efficiently to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina.
About Drone Express:
Drone Express is an innovative aviation company disrupting last-mile logistics by embracing autonomous
flight. Founded in 2021, the company uses drones to deliver safe, reliable, autonomous, eco-friendly
packages nationwide to customers. They have secured strategic nationwide corporate partnerships with
The Kroger Company, Papa Johns International, Winsupply, and other retailers. They have earned a
limited spot in the Part 135 Unmanned Domestic Air Carrier Certification program through extensive
work with the FAA. Drone Express will be one of only a few companies certified to perform unmanned
beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) deliveries in the United States.
For more information on Drone Express and its commercial drone delivery offering, please visit
droneexpress.com
